Responses:

I never said anthing against you or your feeling/taste. I am not against anyone saying high or great about their favorites. At the same, I also have my opinion, thats what came out here. Nothing to hurt anyone or anybody's interest, or at least your's.

One thing did you notice Kaumudi? There were so many unpleasant comments made on VJ in SOTD thread (Ex: when she sings it will shatter glasses, teacher-amma etc etc). Really painful to read such posts. Except Naaz no Nakkeerans opened their third-eye. Many times PS was criticised to a maximum extent. But here... mmmmm nothing more to say except they need to curtail or censor when they write something against anyone. I am sure that there will be an immediate question... oh... your post is a reaction to such comments? Never!!!! I repeat it was my opinion on "versatility of a singer" and I also said SJ is not so.

My thoughts are exactly similar to what sk has written here. Such threads only serve to create unpleasantness, which spreads all around easily.
I usually steer clear of such nastiness.

But-- a certain person who has been writing in this thread, has blatantly copied my words ( from a personal mail that I wrote) and has passed it off as his own thoughts (of course, with some changes!). While I don't at all mind him voicing his opinions, I strongly urge him to be original.

In the end, I can only feel sorry for this individual, as he has to resort to copying, even to express his opinions!

From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219)
on: Fri Jun 6 09:15:47 EDT 2003
Subbu -

I remember you telling me just a few weeks ago "Let us just enjoy good songs...there is not need to canvass for songsters like PS, VJ, SJ..."
I have taken you advice to heart. There is no point in unnecessary comparisons and debates.
Everybody has their preference, favorites, and all for good reasons. We should respect that, even if we do not agree.

This is my latest motto :-) :

"If you can't say anything good about an artiste, and find their singing to be disagreeable or unappealing, then it is better to not say anything at all. That way you can avoid controversy and still keep your opinion (to yourself.) Nobody gets hurt."

As far as VJ is concerned, she is an artiste in the public domain. Everybody has the right to appreciate, criticise or ignore her work. Do I find
negative remarks to be insightful or illuminating to my own understanding and regard for VJs songs? Seldom, and close to Never. I let my ears decide which voice touches my soul. If this does not happen for other listeners, I don't hold it against them. I am just glad that I hear what others don't. And I am happy for this personal discernment.

I hope you will continue with your posts.
There is magic in music. And no room for malice.

From: Kaumudi (@ 136.142.153.250)
on: Fri Jun 6 09:34:33 EDT 2003
Subbu
Finally, we all have ended this rather unpleasant exchange with some good words. Thanks for that. Really, this is the first time I probably ever seriously got into an exchange like this with a serious poster, rather unexpectedly. This is totally contrary to my general attitude and feels very uncomfortable. I am glad it is all over.

Regarding bad mouthing VJ: It really hurt me and I had expressed my feelings in a private communication to someone here. The opinion was so unbelievably contrary to common wisdom that I decided that God help this person and it was not my worth my while discussing it. Basically following Naaz's latest motto! But I couldn't hold myself when I saw the post from a dedicated poster like you which appeared to be slighting SJ's credentials. That's all there is to it.

In any case, let's forget about all this. As Naaz says, no room for malice, both in music as well as in this thread.

Regarding posters being "inspired" to borrow, cut&paste and generally copy from other DFers...I have also noticed, time and time again, how phrases, sentences, formal stylistic features and sometimes entire paragraphs of my old posts here (and even from the VJegroup to which I contribute!!) find verbatim rejuvenation in pronouncements by other individuals here...

I take refuge in this axiom: Imitation (which is the twin of Plagiarism in the verbal context) is the best form of flattery...:-)

But manipulation of others'words for purposes of mudslinging has to be countered at ever step. I am with you on this.

Naaz, Kaumudi: some times we go out of control... porukka mudiyaamal dhaan enakku ippidi aachu. Nothing more from my side on this... Extremely sorry if I hv hurt you in any form. I hv great respect and regard for you both. Please let us stay in touch :-)